Midwestern University CRNA Program...Class of 2011

APwips · May 19, 2009

I interviewed in July, there were about 20 people on my day and I believe there were 3 days of interviews. The letters came probably a week or two after they said it would. I actually called them and that's how I found out. For those who are thinking about applying, I would say go for it. The campus looks great, the director seems warm and supportive, and the interview process was really laid back. I interviewed with the director and I didn't have any clinical questions, it seemed like she was really interested in the research projects I did at work. The biggest con of the program for me was all the traveling to various clinical sites, about half seemed to be out of state. They do have an option to do the whole second year at a large hospital in Florida, but you'd have to travel back to AZ to take your tests. They break down the cost of the entire program including cost of living and said it would total to be ~120K. After I looked at their cost breakdown, I wouldn't be suprised it ends up costing more. But it costs money to go to school anywhere, and overall I think they have a good program.

Millie09, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, RN, APRN, CRNA · May 19, 2009

Thanks Simpson...

Im so antsy! If you dont mind me asking what were you credentials to getting in...I have a 3.9 GPA, CCRN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and two years (in July) in a Burn/Trauma ICU level one hospital....am I competitive enough?

Simpson1980 · May 20, 2009

I was 3.5 GPA with all the certs. I have worked 3 years in Adult ICU and have been an RN for almost 4 years. I also work the ER on occasion and have actually been cross trained to the Birthing Center believe it or not. Like APwips above, they asked me about committees I serve on at work (Rapid Response, Code Blue, and CHF) as well as a directed study I did in nursing school r/t Nurse Anesthesia. I had some shadow experience with several CRNA's as well. So, based on your info, I think you are more than competitive. If you really want it, it is going to happen Millie. Just be yourself in the interview and try not to stress too much in the upcoming weeks, I learned that it does not increase my chance of getting in but it does take years off of my life. Good luck and let me know how it goes, I think you'll be fine :)

Rocco78 · Jun 9, 2009

You're going to have to let us know how you like the program now that it has started. Good luck; I hope it goes well. The letters should be going out in a couple of weeks to let us know if we have interviews. I'm interested in touring the campus and seeing what the program has to offer. Thank you for your responses.

Simpson1980 · Jun 13, 2009

Best of luck Rocco....you will love the campus as it is state of the art. Many of the buildings are brand new and the faculty has been great. Part two of that is...this has been the longest week of my life Rocco. No joke. The academic load that we have been handed is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I should not even be replying to this post but I needed a break from reading. I will also say that I have learned so much in such a short period of time that it is exciting to think about what will be in my head by the end of next week let alone the end of the year. So, to answer your question...I think CRNA school is just what the SRNA posts have been describing. Endless studying, very little "you" time, and difficulty getting my brain to turn off at night so that I can get some shuteye. I was however told that "it is worth it in the end". :) Good Luck, hope to see you in July or August during the interviews.

Millie09, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, RN, APRN, CRNA · Jun 13, 2009

Hi Simpson!

Do you mind telling us if you happen to hear when they have sent out invitations to interview? Im know Im antsy-pansty and want to know the status of what is going on!! :)

Also, can you tell us a little about the Sim Lab? Im excited for that too!

Thanks!

Simpson1980 · Jun 14, 2009

I was part of a second round of interviews. My application was due Nov. 1st and I got my notification (via email) that I was invited to interview on Dec. 24th. I then had to schedule the interview (online) and had about 20 days to book a flight and get a hotel. I interviewed Jan. 16th. I think you should look for your invite a little earlier though, early to mid-July. I also called the director a couple times asking when we would be notified. She was always polite and helpful. Don't think of it as being impatient, but rather MOTIVATED, and here at Midwestern...they love that. As for the sim lab, it appears to be very cool. We had a class in the room and thats when it became very real, seeing the anesthesia machines and interactive dummies. We have not used the sim lab, nor will we until we are done with our first quarter of basic sciences (very busy). Good luck and hope to see you in July.

Millie09, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, RN, APRN, CRNA · Jun 18, 2009

I GOT AN INTERVIEW!!!

Now what? =)

They are interviewing July 14th-17th, I think I will be at the one on the 17th. Does anyone know how they feel about you rescheduling interviews for a later date...The interviews are smack-dab in the middle of my family vacation, but I am willing to sacrifice and stay home and send the rest of the fam while I head to AZ, but was curious if anyone knew how Midwestern felt about 'reschedulers', seems like it would look bad so I dont want to chance it.

Wahoo!

Simpson1980 · Jun 19, 2009

There is one student in our program now that interviewed by himself. He is also in the Army and had a conflict of schedules. I would call (program director) at her office, # should be online. You will probably have to do a finacial aid seminar on your own but I am sure they could give you the basic ACLS/EKG test (multiple choice with one essay question)here when you interview on your own. She is very pleasant and professional. Better sooner than later. I think they will work with you. Good Luck and see you in July, or whenever you come.

3yrstogo · Jun 19, 2009

Hello! I am with ya! Got an interview! I have signed up for the 17th. :lol2:

I don't know how they would feel about rescheduling...can't you just hop a plane quick for Fri and then buzz back to the fam? I know its a headache but maybe worth it...

I am coming from way up north,,, the heat will be a new "adventure" but I will definitely deal with it. :coollook:

Millie09, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, RN, APRN, CRNA · Jun 19, 2009

I'm just going to go ahead and ditch the vacation and come on the 17th. I dont want to chance anything and want to meet their schedule needs...seems appropriate right??

So I will see you guys on the 17th! YEA!!

Simpson, got any extra tips for us??

Simpson1980 · Jun 19, 2009

Where are you coming from 3yearstogo? I came down from Lewiston, Id (1300 miles north, but not that cold). So tips for the interview....be yourself in the actual interview. The questions are behavioral ONLY. They will put you in academic situations and want to know what you will do. (e.g. what will you do if you fail your first test? How do you study? How is your anatomy? Chemistry? Physics? Just be straight with them, they are going to teach you everything you need to know here. Others...How do you relax? What was the last book you have read? Also...why will you be a good CRNA, student, graduate? Study up on ACLS and EKG's for the exam after the interviews...it is a multiple choice test that does not affect your admission status but lets the faculty know where the class is as a whole. Can't hurt to have a good score. 50 questions...pretty basic info r/t ACLS EKG's. Dress nice! All of my group members were wearing suits. Relax! Be on time! Lots of eye contact and smiling...you know the drill. Good luck all and see you in July, don't hesitate if you have more questions, I would be happy to assist as it gives me a nice break from studying.